In the very beginning of the play Walter demonstrates his obsessive need to be a provider through subtle actions that grow to be more dramatic as the play progresses. In the first few pages of the play, Walter gives his son Travis money to bring to school, even though his wife, Ruth, tells Travis they don’t have money to give him. Walter is outraged that Ruth tells Travis this and gives Travis double the amount he asked for. In this situation, Walter is overcompensating because he does not what his son to think he can not provide for him. Walter exhibits great pride in being able to give his son the money, but is forced to swallow his pride when he needs to ask Ruth for carfare money. This situation exemplifies the fact that Walter feels like he has something to prove; that he still …show more content…
In order to come within closer reach of his dream of becoming rich, Walter begins to sacrifice some of his morals. He gets into an argument with Mama over what is more important in life; money or freedom. Walter’s warped priorities cause Mama to begin to lose faith that Walter can ever become the man his father was because he does not understand what really matters in life. Although it is true that Big Walter thought that Walter should get a different job, he would have told Walter to prioritize his relationship with his son. Granted, it is important to be able to financially support your family, but a man does not jeopardize his morals to accomplish this. It becomes apparent that Travis sees Walter as a role model when Walter asks him what he wants to be when he grows up and Travis replies “a bus driver.” It is evident that Travis is trying to emulate his father in his choice of career, but what if he also emulates Walters priorities in life? Walter is failing as both a man and a father if he teaches his son that in order to accomplish your dreams, you have to sell out your morals and take advantage of other